


Hydration aside, Zeichner recommends also looking for formulas that support and strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, since irritation is a sign of a compromised barrier. Look for formulas that include humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid or oil-based emollients meant to deeply nourish parched skin. “We know that retinol can cause skin irritation for the first two to four weeks of use, so it’s important to look for a product that’s also hydrating,” he says. The first thing Zeichner recommends looking for in an over-the-counter retinol product is a formula that's moisturizing. What to Look for in an Over-The-Counter Retinol Product Hydrating Ingredients He specializes in multiple areas of cosmetic and medical dermatology, including acne. Our team then combined these results along with our own research of the highest-ranking retinol products to compile this list.Īhead, check out our list of the best over-the-counter retinol products on the market right now, as well as retinol shopping and usage tips from board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD.ĭermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology and the Director of Clinical and Cosmetic Research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Our testers used these products for weeks at a time, rating not only their efficacy, but also how much-if any-irritation they caused. Now, you can find retinol in all sorts of products these days, so we tried out some of the top-rated and best-reviewed to find the very best. It's little wonder that, with retinol being such a skincare superhero, brands wanted to be able to deliver its benefits to their shoppers without the downsides. These less-than-desirable side effects are usually short-lived.Īs the skin starts to acclimate to the retinol, it does calm down, but that's why you have to take a low and slow approach to traditional retinol products: low percentages and limited use, building up over time. It's a powerful, effective ingredient, but the side effect of all the good work is that it can cause the skin to flake, go red and become sensitized. Of course, there's a "but"-retinol is notoriously irritating. It's the beauty do-it-all that can tackle every skin woe, from pigmentation and uneven texture to wrinkles and breakouts. Retinol has long been the gold standard anti-aging ingredient.
